This season marks the addition of two new teams from Queensland. Gold Coast United and the North Queensland Fury made their A-League debuts at the start of the season.[1] Because of this, Queensland Roar have been re-named to Brisbane Roar, as they are no longer the only A-League club from Queensland. With the inception of the two new clubs, many club transfers have been undergone both within Australia and New Zealand, and around the world. The length of the regular season will be longer than in previous years, with 27 rounds rather than 21, plus finals. The season began on 6 August, with Melbourne hosting the Central Coast at home.[2] As well as these major changes to the league, the Pre-Season Challenge Cup will no longer be held as of the 2009-10 season due to a busier regular season schedule[3], and clubs attracting higher profile pre-season friendlies.

Discipline

The Fair Play Award will go to the team with the lowest points on the fair play ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season. It was awarded to Premiers Sydney FC who scraped in by just 1 point from rivals Melbourne Victory.

* The Newcastle Jets' Tarek Elrich received a direct red card in their round 7 fixture against Sydney FC. However, this was successfully appealed by the club and expunged from Elrich and the team's records.[13]
* Adelaide United's Iain Fyfe received a direct red card in their round 19 fixture against Perth Glory. However, this was overruled by the match review panel and expunged from Fyfe and the team's records.[14]

NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award

The NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award will be awarded to the finest U/21 player talent throughout the Hyundai A-League 2009–10 competition. One nominee is announced per month and all nominees will qualify to be named the NAB Footballer of the Year at the conclusion of the season.